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Discover how CP Cases Ltd partnered with Queen’s University ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ through a KTP to enhance rotational moulding processes, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation.

is a London-based SME specialising in the design and manufacture of high-performance protective cases and 19" electronic racks, providing secure transport, operation and storage solutions for high-value equipment across a range of specialised customer requirements.

Founded in the 1970s to make flight cases for music icons such as The Who, Paul McCartney and Deep Purple, the company has since expanded into defence, security, medical applications, and live events. With over fifty years’ experience, CP Cases serves thousands of customers in 45 countries across six continents, operating from highly skilled teams in the UK and US, with exports representing a significant proportion of revenue.

CP Cases needed to digitalise its business and production processes to improve efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness to increasingly complex customer demands. Existing paper- and spreadsheet-based systems were limiting growth, so the KTP aimed to implement a robust digital manufacturing infrastructure, embed quality traceability, and enhance processes across design, factory operations, and the supply chain.

Key business goals included improving On Time In Full (OTIF) performance and increasing profit margins—challenges that could not be solved with existing methods. The project also offered Queen’s a unique opportunity to explore practical applications of Industry 4.0 in SMEs, providing insights into sector skill needs and low-cost automation solutions.

“We recognise the value that linking into university research can bring us in new product development. We wanted to set up and develop an in-house rotational moulding facility and reached out to Queen’s because we knew of its expertise and reputation in engineering and particularly in the polymers area.”

Peter Ross, Managing Director, CP Cases

Queen’s brought expertise in polymer processing and advanced manufacturing through Dr Peter Martin at the Polymer Processing Research Centre, now part of . Dr Peter Martin supported CP Cases in both technical problem-solving and guidance on integrating research into operational processes.

Bringing together CP Cases’ manufacturing expertise with Dr Peter Martin's knowledge of digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and software development for SMEs, the partnership focused on co-developing software systems and digital processes tailored to CP Cases’ high-customisation, low-batch production, ensuring that advanced solutions could be implemented directly within day-to-day operations. 

, the KTP Associate, was embedded within CP Cases, working alongside the Design, Sales, and Production teams while receiving academic guidance from Queen’s. Knowledge exchange, joint problem-solving, and skills transfer underpinned the collaboration, allowing both parties to address complex technical challenges while creating frameworks for long-term, scalable innovation.

"We couldn’t have achieved this without Karem and the regular input on the project from the Queen’s team led by Dr Peter Martin. Karem has proved to be a very valuable member of our team. He accepted a permanent position with us after his 30 months as an Associate, and since then has been promoted twice, and is now our Projects Manager, managing a number of high-profile projects and key international customers.” 

- Peter Ross, Managing Director, CP Cases

The project initially aimed to introduce a robotic rotational moulding facility, but CP Cases soon realised that conventional moulding methods were more suitable. They acquired a nearby disused factory, where Karem managed the refurbishment, installation, and operational setup of a new moulding system, representing a significant investment. The company now has the facility to manufacture in-house some of the work that had previously been sub-contracted out. Rigorous testing of all products now occurs at this facility. 

The success of the initial KTP project encouraged CP Cases to engage in a second KTP with Queen’s, further solidifying their commitment to innovation.

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Queen¡¯s University¡¯s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.